ELLINWOOD — Craig Myron Robl, 63, passed away March 21, 2025, in Ellinwood, Kan. He was born May 23, 1961, in Great Bend to Roy and Rosemary (Schawe) Robl. Craig married Paula (Garrison) on Aug. 15, 2009, in Claflin, Kan. She survives.

As a teenager, he became interested in motocross, racing in numerous tracks across the Midwest. He remained a fan, attending National races in Texas and Colorado. After completing high school, and obtaining his pilot license, he enrolled in A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) schooling to become licensed to service aircraft. During this time, he flew as an aerial applicator for 17 years. He acquired his own plane, and many Saturday mornings could be found flying with his pilot friends somewhere for breakfast. But, he said, “you can not take the farm out of a farm boy” and went back to farming in partnership with his brother, Corey, until his health declined. Craig was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, and served on the St. Joseph Catholic School board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1187, board member of the Great Bend Coop, Experimental Aircraft Association, and Kansas State Farm Management Association.  

Survivors include his beloved wife of 15 years, Paula Robl; parents, Roy E. and Rosemary Robl of Ellinwood; son, Christopher Robl and his wife Courtney of Denver, Colo.; daughter, Shawna Schafer and her husband Matthew of Ellinwood; stepson, Wayne Tajchman (Amy); stepdaughters, Shannon Tajchman and Brenda Holden (Danyon); grandchildren, Benjamin Robl, Zachary Robl, Paige Robl, Jackson Schafer, and Mason Schafer; four step grandchildren, Braeden Holden, Layton Holden, Avah Holden and Caydence Tajchman; one great grandson, Karter Holden; brothers, Kenton Robl (Staci) of Ellinwood, Rodney Robl (Cheryil) of Centennial, Colo., Corey Robl of Ellinwood, and Ryan Robl of Ellinwood; sister, Joan Wise (Andrew) of Ellinwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with a Vigil at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Terrance Klein presiding. Interment will follow at Lakin Commanche Cemetery, with Missing Man Formation aviation honors. Memorials have been designated to St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 25, 2025